Delhi to Kathmandu Explorer

We arrive in Delhi, clear the airport formalities and meet our local representative who welcomes us to India’s capital. We transfer from the airport to our city hotel – you settle in and get ready for the journey ahead.

We uncover the contrasts of New and Old Delhi – taking in India Gate and the grand government buildings, exploring Humayun’s Tomb and pausing at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. In Old Delhi we weave through Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar, sample street food, ride a rickshaw and visit Jama Masjid.

We leave Delhi and drive through rural Uttar Pradesh to Agra, passing small towns and fields en route to the city of the Taj Mahal. We stop at Sheroes Hangout Café for lunch to support – and learn from – survivors of acid attacks. Later, we join a Mughal Heritage Walk through Kachhpura village and surrounding farmland, finishing with sunset views of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.

We visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise – when the light is soft and the crowds are thinner – and hear the tale of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal as we admire the intricate marble work. We then drive from Agra into rural Rajasthan to the small town of Suroth, continuing to a heritage palace hotel. Later, we take a guided walk through Suroth’s lanes and markets, meeting residents and browsing small shops – along the way, you can step into a local temple or even the barber’s to experience everyday village life. Back at Suroth Mahal, we enjoy a cooking demonstration and a relaxed dinner in the atmospheric former palace.

We depart Suroth and journey towards Jaipur through rural Rajasthan. En route we stop at Abhaneri to explore Chand Baori – one of India’s largest and deepest stepwells – and take in the mesmerising geometry and scale of this ancient water structure. On arrival in Jaipur, you have free time to explore at your own pace – relax at the heritage hotel or wander nearby streets and markets.

We explore Amber Fort, its courtyards and palace rooms gazing over the Aravalli Hills. We continue through Jaipur to visit Jantar Mantar and the City Palace, then delve into traditional markets – watching a block printing demonstration and visiting a gemstone workshop.

We leave Jaipur and drive back to Delhi – crossing the northern plains between Rajasthan and the capital. On arrival, you have time to rest after the journey, before we meet our representative for a briefing on the days ahead.

We board the Vande Bharat train for our journey across northern India to Varanasi, then gather by the sacred river to witness the atmospheric evening Aarti ceremony.

We greet sunrise on the Ganges as daily rituals unfold along the riverbanks. We wander through Varanasi’s old lanes, temples and markets to experience the dense historic centre. Later, we visit Sarnath – where the Buddha gave his first sermon – to explore its ruins, stupa and museum.

We travel by road from Varanasi towards the India–Nepal border, passing through Gorakhpur and stretches of rural countryside. After completing the formalities, we continue into Nepal and arrive in Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace, where we settle into our hotel. You have free time to relax or take an initial stroll around the peaceful town.

We explore Lumbini’s key sites – the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar and the sacred gardens – gaining a deeper understanding of the Buddha’s life and this important pilgrimage centre. Leaving Lumbini, we drive west through the Terai towards Bardia National Park, arriving at an eco–lodge on the park’s edge. On arrival, you settle into the jungle surroundings.

We spend the day in Bardia National Park with time to unwind at the lodge and enjoy the setting. You can take it easy or organise local activities – the lodge staff can arrange optional safaris or guided walks to suit your interests.

We spend another day in Bardia National Park, relaxing at the lodge and soaking up the jungle atmosphere. If you’d like to be more active, you can speak with the lodge team to arrange optional safaris or guided walks – they will tailor plans to your interests.

We leave Bardia by road for Nepalgunj Airport, bidding farewell to the jungle before a short domestic flight to Kathmandu with views of the plains and distant hills – a scenic hop into the capital. On arrival, we meet our local representative and transfer to our hotel in Thamel to check in. Once settled, you can take your first wander through the bustling streets and markets.

We ride a rickshaw through Thamel’s backstreets to Kathmandu Durbar Square, passing tiny shops, temples and stupas along the way. We explore the historic square on foot, then drive up to Swayambhunath Stupa for sweeping hilltop views and a visit to the celebrated ‘monkey temple’.

We collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight. The tour concludes at the terminal – we provide assistance as you check in and depart.